Where to bike 20, 30, or 50 miles around Columbus
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Central Ohio's Alum Creek Trail, which connects Columbus to Cleveland via the Ohio to Erie Trail. Photo: Courtesy of Columbus Recreation and Parks
See Central Ohio from a new perspective on one of these beginner-friendly bike trails.
Why it matters: Columbus has been working to shake its car-centric reputation in recent years — and is well on its way, with hundreds of miles of greenways to explore.
Cycling the news: We reached out to Johnny Robinson, owner of Johnny Velo Bikes in Clintonville, for a few route recommendations.
- He tells us a beginner should expect to ride at about a 10 mph pace, meaning every 20 miles will take about two hours, plus stops.
🥧 20 miles: Hilliard's Weaver Park to Der Dutchman
Why we love it: An Amish buffet and freshly baked pies are the ultimate motivation to get some exercise.
- You'll go just over 9 miles each way on the Heritage Rail-Trail, a relaxing roundtrip of just under 20 miles.
Where to stop: Check out the replica train station at Homestead Metro Park along the way.
- When you're finished, celebrate at Crooked Can brewery, a perfect summertime spot with a spacious patio and food hall.
Pro tip: Bring friends! Ride together and make it a breakfast trip, Robinson suggests.
🏙️ 30 miles: Connect the Alum Creek and Olentangy trails
Why we love it: This loop allows for a mostly traffic-free tour of our city's core.
- With creekfront views, lots of tree coverage, and a trip across downtown, it offers a little bit of everything.
Where to stop: You've got lots of options. Start at the scenic Park of Roses, pass Ohio Stadium and Easton, and cross through downtown on Fourth and Town Streets.
- Grab a coffee at the cat cafe or check out the Topiary Park's odd foliage.
Or keep going: The Alum Creek Trail connects our region to Cincinnati and Cleveland via the Ohio-to-Erie Trail.
Pro tip: The shady bridges on Alum Creek are notoriously slippery, so Robinson recommends walking your bike across if it's wet outside.
- Also, a section near OSU is closed this summer, so you'll need to use a detour.
🦬 50 miles: Battelle Darby Creek to South Charleston
Why we love it: You can escape the city into the open air and try trailside camping.
Where to stop: Say "hello" to the resident bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park before you set off on the Camp Chase Trail.
- It's about 25 miles each way and camping is halfway, in London.
Pro tip: There isn't much tree coverage, so you'll either love this trip or hate it depending on which way the wind's blowing, Robinson says.
Check out Robinson's list of local biking groups, events, and other spots to explore.